Little Jackie Coogan recycled his "Kid" persona from his film with Chaplin in this, his fifth film. This time, the kid is orphaned arriving in America at Ellis Island and meets up with an old sea captain, who can barely make his way in life himself. Meanwhile, an old lady, who happens to be Coogan's grandmother, hears the news of the fate of the kid's parents and sets out to find him. Hollywood knew the success of Chaplin's The Kid earlier in the year would breed innumerable imitations. This film was one of the first to cash in, starring the same actor: Jackie Coogan. However, this film has no where near the charm, comedy, drama, and pathos of its Chaplin predecessor. Coogan is the main focus several times by himself, whether it's washing up, entertaining a sidewalk crowd, or trying to get nourishing food for the old sea captain. It's easy to see how the public took to Coogan during the time period, but it's also easy to see how it could be tiring watching Coogan again and again in similar roles, as a downtrodden waif who survives on his charm and wits. Claude Gillingwater is the old sea captain, Mathilde Brundage the grandmother, and it's directed by Victor Heerman and Chaplin alumnus Albert Austin. ** of 4 stars.
Review of My Boy
